Dental issues are no joke. Tooth decay can affect anyone ranging from toddlers to seniors and can cause sudden bouts of pain in your teeth.
While it is common for cavities to cause toothaches, you may be surprised to know that they can also result in pain in the jaw.
Can jaw pain manifest from tooth cavities or is this just a modern-day dental lore? Learn more as this article delves into the truth behind this perplexing association
The surprising connection between tooth decay and jaw pain
A study conducted in 2004 attempted to find a clear interaction between tooth decay and jaw-related pain. The results from this study indicated that temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) disorders often occurred in individuals who also had some degree of tooth decay or missing teeth.
What are cavities?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is formed when the bacteria in your mouth eat away at the tooth, causing a ditch or hole to form.
At first, the bacteria attacks only the outermost layer of the tooth called the tooth enamel. At this stage, you might not feel any pain or discomfort. As the decay progresses to involve the inner layers of the tooth like the softer dentin and the pulp (containing the nerves), it can elicit tooth pain.
What is a temporomandibular joint disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint that is present on either side of your face, right in front of your ear. This joint helps connect your lower jaws to your skull and assists in functional movements like chewing, speaking, and eating.
A condition that commonly affects this joint is the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a group of conditions that involve the jaw muscles, the joints, as well as the nerves of the face and neck. TMD is a primary cause of jaw-related pain.
Alternative causes of jaw pain
You may feel jaw pain due to a variety of dental health problems. While cavities can cause jaw pain, it is not the only one. The cause of your pain may have multiple different offenders like some of the following:
- Abscessed tooth: Untreated cavities can often result in dental abscesses, causing pus collection below the gum line and pain that often radiates to the jaw.
- Arthritis: It is a condition where there is swelling and tenderness in the joints, in this case – the TMJ. This can cause pain in the joint and jaw region.
- Bruxism: Involuntary tooth grinding and jaw clenching can be caused by stress or anxiety among other reasons, and may be cause for pain in the jaw area.
- Periodontal or gum disease: Due to poor oral hygiene, there is a formation of tartar under the gums, which can also cause jaw pain.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: When there isn’t enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt, they become impacted or “stuck” under the gum surface. As a result, impacted wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain.
- Infections: Bacterial infections, both outside and inside the tooth, such as sinusitis or pulp polyps, may cause referred pain to the jaw and surrounding tissues.
- Trauma: In cases where you have sustained an injury to your jaw, causing it to break or dislocate, you may feel intense pain. This requires immediate medical attention.
How do cavities cause TMJ pain?
A cavity, especially one left untreated can be the source of jaw pain. While the exact cause of the jaw pain can be any of the aforementioned causes, cavities are some of the most common culprits.
When you leave a cavity without getting dental treatment, the tooth decay keeps progressing. The decay, which at first may only involve the outermost layer of the tooth may then continue inward and also involve the root of the tooth, turning into an infection.
The tooth infection can then spread to your jawbone, causing localized swelling and you may experience pain. Jaw pain is a common symptom of untreated decay, therefore, it is best if you receive treatment for tooth decay when they are smaller.
Treatment options
Treating cavities can involve several dental procedures. Some of the treatment options include:
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel and reverses cavities if caught early on. The dentist may apply fluoride gel or varnish on your teeth surfaces at regular intervals.
- Fillings: Once you develop a cavity, you may require a filling to prevent further tooth damage. You can get a silver amalgam or composite (tooth-colored) filling depending on the location and primary function (chewing or tearing) of the tooth.
- Crowns: A dental crown is a cap that is placed on a weakened tooth to restore its structure and lower the risk of tooth fracture. Crowns may be made of metal, porcelain, resin, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or even gold.
- Root canal treatment: If tooth decay has reached the inner tooth layer called the pulp, you will require a root canal treatment. In this treatment, the pulp will be removed and replaced with medications to clear any infection. You may need a crown after.
- Tooth extractions: When the tooth has incurred extensive damage that cannot be restored with fillings or root canals, your dentist may recommend removal. Consider getting a dental bridge or implant to replace the missing tooth.
To deal with jaw pain, you will have to address the main root cause. Gum disease treatment and antibiotics are some of the possible treatment options for jaw pain that have been induced by periodontal issues and bacterial infections, respectively.
Some of the other ways you can treat jaw pain are:
- Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve jaw pain, momentarily.
- Cold compress: Apply a cold compress on the outside surface of your jaw to help reduce swelling and numb the area. Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Muscle relaxers: Prescription medications like muscle relaxers can help relieve jaw tension.
- Mouthguard: If you habitually clench your jaw and grind your teeth, you can get a custom-made plastic dental protector called a mouthguard to wear during the daytime or sleep. This device protects your teeth from getting worn down due to the constant grinding.
- Botox injections: In certain cases, you may need to get botox injections in your jaw muscles to help prevent the muscles from clenching. This can help relieve pain in the jaw for a couple of months.
- Jaw surgery: If your condition is severe, you may be eligible for jaw surgery to correct TMD problems. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to find out if you need surgery.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your jaw can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing some relief from pain.
Preventative measures
The American Dental Association states the importance of proper oral hygiene and regular dental care to minimize your risk of tooth decay and subsequent pain in your jaw.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Protect your jaw from injury by wearing protective headgear when playing contact sports.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods to prevent tooth decay.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and free of residual food debris.
- Manage your stress with relaxation exercises.
The link between cavities and TMJ disorder
The link between proper dental health and general health is clear. However, many do not acknowledge how exactly tooth cavities can affect your jaw. If you are experiencing jaw pain, tooth decay may be the cause of your discomfort.
If so, do not hesitate to reach out to your family dentist to book a dental appointment. The dentist may give you options for the type of dental procedures you need.
